As promised, here's a sneak peek at some of the previously mentioned Valentine's Day gifts that were to be "whipped" out this weekend.  I'm pretty sure that term suggests the production of said item in no time at all!  This was a gross misrepresentation. Luckily, it's been a cold, rainy, dreary weekend, so it was a good weekend to stay inside and cogitate.  (There's that word again, Ruth Ann!)  I started another one with turquoise seed beads and brown leather that's just gorgeous, but has a tiny little design flaw that must be addressed before I can finish it and post it. This requires A)  taking something apart that took a really long time to put together! Or B) schlepping to the store and buying more supplies.  I prefer schlepping to the store.

Switching gears, (I warned you about the ADD...) today I decided to catch up on some reading regarding healthy eating, and I wish everyone was required to educate themselves more about the foods they're putting in their bodies.  People from my generation (I'm 49.  Really.  I am.) have personally witnessed the obesity epidemic that has transformed Americans during our lifetime.  I've been telling people for years I'm pretty sure it has something to do with all the processed foods and high amounts of sugar we eat now. The more I learn, the more I'm appalled that we've allowed this. I'm also appalled that the majority of people really want to bury their heads in the sand and pretend it's not a problem.  Or worse, they think I'm a health food fanatic.  Let me just start out by saying that I don't think I'm a fanatic. I love food - just about all food!  I love sugar.  I love processed food and prepackaged food.  One of my favorite things to eat includes a good old blue box of Kraft macaroni and cheese.  I've been known to put away a whole pint of Ben & Jerry's Chunky Monkey all by myself - and I'm talkin' all in one sitting!  I love McDonald's cheeseburgers and fries.  I love candy and cakes and cookies.  I admit most of us have been sucked in by the convenience factor.  In this crazy rat race that we call life these days, it's so easy to do.  But I also don't think these foods should be a part of our everyday lives, and therein lies the problem. These things went from being "treats" in the 60's and 70's to our new norm - and I believe it's killing us.

I'd like to tell you more about the baby steps I took to get where I am now in regard to food, and maybe inspire you to help your family consider making a few changes as well. For now, I'm fixin' to whip up some guacamole, Okie style, for the Super Bowl.  I call my recipe "Rockamole".  I'll share it with you later!

Ya'll come back now.